Tournament Newbie seeks advice

[bloodphoenix]

I've been playing this game for several years, but have never joined a tournament.

To be honest, I was dissuaded mostly be two assumptions on my part that in hindsight, were probably unfair, and
which could have been dispelled by reading the descriptions of some of the tournament rules.

I assumed that like many table-top tournaments for ancient/medieval war-games, people would be able to choose any army,
and that there would be no effort made to match historical opponents or even break them into eras...
I also didn't realize that the entrants would be divided into groups based on experience/ability.

Now that I've realized these things, I'm interested in entering some of the tournaments, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the daunting number of threads in that part of the Forum. I'm not sure where to start?!? I'm aware that one major Tournament is in the final stages and wrapping up currently, and that there is new Slitherine-sponsored competition starting soon? I've also gotten the impression that there may be some special rules in use to help address imbalances the game mechanics create...I've see and understand the 50/10 rule, but I got the impression there may be others? Any advice would be appreciated...

[fogman]

speaking only for mine. if you want to play historical matchups, not just chronologically but also geographically (therefore NO 1450s Burgundians vs 1450s Portuguese), with armies that are pre-tested to be more or less equal in strength, try the lords tournaments. the next one is starting on 23 august.

[Brindlebane]

Only a season or two in myself but they add a nice edge to your games.Recommended,just ignore the dice,you can be on a roll and sometimes those dice will sort that out.I play a lot of friendlies and just roll random armies at times but tourney games you put a bit more thought into your gameplay.

[stockwellpete]

I've been playing this game for several years, but have never joined a tournament.

To be honest, I was dissuaded mostly be two assumptions on my part that in hindsight, were probably unfair, and
which could have been dispelled by reading the descriptions of some of the tournament rules.

I assumed that like many table-top tournaments for ancient/medieval war-games, people would be able to choose any army,
and that there would be no effort made to match historical opponents or even break them into eras...
I also didn't realize that the entrants would be divided into groups based on experience/ability.

Now that I've realized these things, I'm interested in entering some of the tournaments, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the daunting number of threads in that part of the Forum. I'm not sure where to start?!? I'm aware that one major Tournament is in the final stages and wrapping up currently, and that there is new Slitherine-sponsored competition starting soon? I've also gotten the impression that there may be some special rules in use to help address imbalances the game mechanics create...I've see and understand the 50/10 rule, but I got the impression there may be others? Any advice would be appreciated...

Bloodphoenix, I will add you to the invitation lists for The Slitherine Trophy and Season 4 of the FOG Digital League. If you look at The Slitherine Trophy and FOG Digital League parts of the forum you will find the "Rules of Competition" and the FOGDL has a "Players' Guide" too.

[bloodphoenix]

Thank you for your responses! I appreciate it.